Calculate maximum win and risk for action reverse and win-only reverse bets.
Reverse Bet Calculator
A reverse places one if-bet for every ordering of your picks, so your stake is multiplied by the number of if-bets. A 3-team reverse at $100 per if-bet risks $600, not $100.
You can enter odds in American, decimal, or fractional format, and see results in any of five currencies.
How to Use This Reverse Bet Calculator
- Choose reverse type: Action (pushes continue) or Win Only (pushes cancel)
- Enter your bet amount per if-bet combination
- Select 2 or 3 teams for your reverse bet
- Enter the odds for each team
- Click Calculate to see maximum win, total risk, and all outcomes
What is a Reverse Bet?
A reverse bet (also called an action reverse) is a set of if-bets that work in both forward and reverse order. Instead of depending on one specific order like regular if-bets, reverse bets cover all possible two-team combinations from your selections.
For example, a 2-team reverse bet on Teams A and B creates two if-bets:
- If A wins, then bet on B
- If B wins, then bet on A
This structure ensures you benefit when any single team wins, unlike parlay bets that require all teams to win.
Understanding Reverse Bet Mechanics
How Many If-Bets Are Created?
| Number of Teams | If-Bet Combinations | Total Bets | Risk Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2 Teams |
A>B, B>A |
2 |
2x bet amount |
|
3 Teams |
A>B, B>A, A>C, C>A, B>C, C>B |
6 |
6x bet amount |
|
4 Teams |
All 2-team combinations |
12 |
12x bet amount |
Win Only vs Action Reverse Bets
The key difference between the two types:
- Action Reverse: if a game pushes (ties), your stake continues to the next game. More forgiving and popular.
- Win Only Reverse: if a game pushes, that if-bet sequence stops. Only wins continue to the next bet.
Reverse Bet Strategy and Examples
Example, 2-Team Reverse Bet
Let’s say you place a $100 per if-bet reverse on:
- Team A at -110
- Team B at -110
This creates two if-bets, so your total risk is $200. Here are the possible outcomes:
| Team A Result | Team B Result | Total Return | Net Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Win |
Win |
$563.64 |
+$363.64 |
|
Win |
Lose |
$90.91 |
-$109.09 |
|
Lose |
Win |
$90.91 |
-$109.09 |
|
Lose |
Lose |
$0 |
-$200.00 |
When to Use Reverse Bets
Reverse bets work best when:
- You want more ways to win than a parlay offers
- You’re confident in your picks but want a hedge [was “insurance”]
- You prefer smaller consistent wins over home-run parlays
- You have 2-3 strong selections
Reverse Bets vs Other Bet Types
| Bet Type | Risk Level | Max Payout | Ways to Win |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Straight Bets |
Low |
Low |
Single |
|
Parlays |
High |
Very High |
All must win |
|
If-Bets |
Medium |
Medium |
Order matters |
|
Reverse Bets |
Medium-High |
Medium-High |
Multiple paths |
Advanced Reverse Bet Strategies
Optimal Team Selection
For best results with reverse bets:
- Favor independent selections. A reverse bet pays out when your picks split, giving you multiple separate paths to a return, so heavily correlated games (ones that tend to win or lose together) work against that structure rather than for it. Correlation cuts both ways.
- Avoid heavy favorites. Lower odds reduce profit potential.
- Use 2-3 teams maximum. More teams exponentially increase risk.
- Consider timing. Put early games first in the if-bet sequence.
Risk Management Tips
Manage your bankroll when using reverse bets:
- Remember total risk multiplies by the number of if-bets.
- Start with smaller amounts until you are comfortable.
- Track all possible outcomes before placing your bet.
- Use our calculator to understand your maximum loss.
Shop for the best price and check current sportsbook promos before you place your if-bets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reverse bet calculator?
A reverse bet calculator is a free tool that calculates the maximum win, total risk, and situational outcomes for reverse bets. A reverse bet is a set of if-bets going both forward and backward, for example a 2-team reverse creates ‘if A then B’ and ‘if B then A’ wagers, covering all possible winning combinations.
How do reverse bets work?
Reverse bets combine multiple if-bets in both directions. With 2 teams, you get 2 if-bets; with 3 teams, you get 6 if-bets. If any single team wins, that portion continues to the next bet. This provides more ways to win compared to parlays, though with lower maximum payouts. You can choose Win Only (pushes cancel) or Action (pushes continue).
What’s the difference between Win Only and Action reverse bets?
Win Only reverse bets terminate if any leg pushes (ties), meaning subsequent bets in that if-bet sequence are canceled. Action reverse bets continue even on pushes, the stake rolls over on wins, losses, or ties. Action reverse bets are more popular as they provide more opportunities to continue the wager sequence.
How many bets are in a 3-team reverse?
A 3-team reverse bet creates 6 if-bet combinations: Team A>B, B>A, A>C, C>A, B>C, and C>B. This covers every possible 2-team combination from your 3 selections. If you bet $100 per if-bet, your total risk would be $600 (6 x $100).
Are reverse bets worth it?
Reverse bets offer more ways to win than parlays but with lower maximum payouts and higher upfront cost. They’re worth it when you want a hedge on your picks and prefer smaller consistent wins over home-run parlays. Best used with 2-3 strong selections where you’re confident but want to reduce risk. [was “insurance”]
What is an example of a reverse bet?
Say you place a $100 per if-bet reverse on two teams, each at -110. That creates two if-bets, ‘if Team A then Team B’ and ‘if Team B then Team A’, for $200 total risk. If both teams win you return $563.64, a $363.64 profit. If your picks split you lose $109.09, and if both lose you lose the full $200.
How much would I win if I bet $1000 on a reverse?
On a 2-team reverse at -110 with $1,000 per if-bet, you place two if-bets for $2,000 total risk. If both teams win you return $5,636.36, a $3,636.36 profit. Remember the stake is per if-bet, so your outlay is $2,000, not $1,000. A split loses $1,090.91, and both losing costs $2,000.